Podcasts about family support services

Send a Text to the Moms - please include your contact info if you want a response. thanks!Welcome to this episode, where we explore a deeply personal and often complex topic: the choice to have relatives with severe mental illness live at home with family.Joined by listener guests, we dive into the emotional, practical, and ethical aspects of this decision.Is home the best place for healing and connection, or do the demands overwhelm family dynamics? How do caregivers balance compassion with self-care? And what role should professional support play? You'll hear heartfelt stories, honest discussions of the challenges, and perspectives on what works—or doesn't. Tune in for an insightful conversation about navigating this delicate choice.Insights and Learnings from the chat:You have a right to feel SAFE in your own homeBe clear on your boundaries and be prepared to follow throughEach US state has different services and lawsThe decision is heartbreakingLearn all you canAsk for help and infoShare this podcast with people you know need itIt is always helpful to hear other storiesAct while the loved one is in the hospital Case manager does need to do their part - let them, partner with themGet it in writing. Have a written contract with your loved one which includes consequences for the main what ifs and each of you—parent, loved one, case manager keep a copy.SZ 3 Moms episodes referenced:#6: Conservatorship#14: NAMI Family-to-Family#18: Rethinking Clozapine#27: I am Not sick, I Don't Need Help (anosognosia)#30: Clubhouse International#36: Difficult Mothering (Judith R Smith)#43: Family Support Services#50: SSI/SSDI#99: Pooled Trusts#105: HousingMindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/Want to know more?Join our facebook page Our websites:Randye KayeMindy Greiling Miriam (Mimi) Feldman

This episode is our first repeat topic

After some post-pandemic fundraising struggles, KV Oasis Youth Centre have changed their focus. We spoke with new program director, Danielle Robertson about what's ahead for KV Oasis Youth and Family Support Services.

Exclusive interviews with Mississippi Black Spring Break organizer Maurice Bryant on the disappointing treatment of Spring Breakers by local law enforcement and CC Jean, owner and lead therapist of Rise Psychotherapy and Family Support Services addressing the increase in cases of pediatric suicides, warning signs, and how parents can help their children find their way out of deep depression that could lead to suicidal thoughts and actions.

More than 960 people attended the 49th annual Blarney Breakfast, raising a record-breaking $82,825 to benefit school-aged youth with special needs served through Rainbows' Family Support Services program.

Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families. Jenny Valderas discusses how their programs and resources serve the entire family… because when military families are strong, our communities are strong, and America is strong.       This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Cannon Spouses' Club. To learn more, visit https://www.cannonspousesclub.org/.    Show Notes:  Resources:  Operation Homefront  https://operationhomefront.org/    Military Child of the Year Award  https://operationhomefront.org/military-child-of-the-year/    Bio:  Jenny Valderas is Operation Homefront's Senior Director of Family Support Services. She has worked with the organization for more than a decade and in her current role, Valderas oversees the planning and execution of programs that address the unique needs and challenges faced by America's military families, including the delivery of school supplies and holiday meals, and celebrating expectant parents and exceptional military children.     Beyond her professional capacity, Valderas is also a military spouse, providing a distinct personal connection to the military community and Operation Homefront's mission to create strong, stable, and secure military families.     Valderas received a Bachelor of Arts from George Mason University.  

Family Support Services presents its Just Like Me talent showcase; Young Advocates for Racial Equality opens an exhibit at Yellow House; Chris Boivin of the Jacksonville library talks about what's good on the First Coast.

Aaron Woodson is a Florida-based military combat veteran who has served in the US Air Force and US Air National Guard for over 15 years. He began his military career participating in military campaigns such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve. At a very young age, Aaron began to nurture an interest in and passion for poetry. He began to write poems at school and his love for writing grew so deep that he told his parents that someday he would publish his own book. Having moved to Jacksonville in 2016, he decided to finish up his now-completed book, The Face of Expression, a poetry book that fuses story-telling and non-fiction clips into it. The Face of Expression highlights topics about life, love, pain, struggle, rejection, faith, and experiences. Aaron gets his inspiration to write from his spirituality, traveling, singing, music, positive quotes, and experiences, among others. Interviewer Taryn “LoveReigns” Wharwood is a poet, writer, author, emcee, motivational speaker, entrepreneur and curator. Taryn is the program manager for The Performers Academy, a 12-year partner of Family Support Services.  The Performers Academy uses the healing power of the arts as behavioral intervention and diversion for youth and teens, and Taryn manages programs including the Just Like Me Cultural and Exhibition Experience for teens. Taryn conducts weekly writing workshops for adults in recovery, at-risk youth in drug rehabilitation centers, youth in foster care and in juvenile detention centers.  She is the CEO of IAmLoveReigns Enterprises LLC, providing online business solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses, artists and entertainers. Taryn is also the host of the Random Thoughts of Reign podcast, which she began during the pandemic as a way to connect the world with creators during quarantine. LoveReigns is the founder of Artis(Tree) Live and The Closet Jax and co-founder of The Cypher Open Mic Poetry & Soul, which is, to date, the longest-running open mic in Jacksonville history. READ Check out all of the books in the Face of Expression series in our catalog: https://jkpl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/search/results?qu=%22aaron+woodson%22&te=! AARON RECOMMENDS Books: The Alchemist: https://jkpl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/search/results?qu=TITLE%3Dalchemist&qu=AUTHOR%3Dcoelho&te= 48 Laws of Power: https://jkpl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/search/results?qu=TITLE%3D%2248+laws+of+power%22&qu=AUTHOR%3Dgreene&te= The 5 Love Languages: https://jkpl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/search/results?qu=the+five+love+languages&qu=AUTHOR%3Dchapman&te= The Face of Expression 3: Fall of A King: https://jkpl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/search/results?qu=face+of+expression+3+woodson&te= The Art of War: https://jkpl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/search/results?qu=art+of+war&qu=AUTHOR%3Dtzu&te= Movies: Creed III: https://jkpl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/search/results?qu=%22creed+iii%22&te= Avatar: The Way of Water: https://jkpl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/search/results?qu=%22avatar+the+way+of+water%22&te= Wakanda Forever: https://jkpl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/search/results?qu=wakanda+forever+film&te= Till: https://jkpl.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/search/results?qu=TITLE%3D%22till%22&qu=chukwu&te= --- Sign Up for Library U to hear about the latest Lit Chats and catch them live! — https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/library-u-enrollment Jacksonville Public LibraryWebsite: https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaxlibrary Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaxLibrary/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxlibrary/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jaxpubliclibraryfl Contact Us: jplpromotions@coj.net 

Jan Randall, Director of Family Support Services for Community Autism Resources in Massachusetts speaks about April being Autism Acceptance Month, and the variety of services for people with autism and their families.

Roy L Hales/ Cortes Currents - Three Cortes Island projects are about to receive a $40,000 grant to advance gender equality. This is part of a $3.4 million collaboration between the Community Foundations of Canada and the Equity Fund supported by the Government of Canada. Manda Aufochs Gillespie, Executive Director of the  Cortes Island Community Foundation, explained, “We were able to partially fund three different projects. Those include our Women's Centre, which everybody knows, runs with very little funding and a real bootstrap mentality, like ‘we're gonna get her done. So it's going to be a little bit of funding for supporting their work. The other really exciting project that I hope is gonna make a major difference in many families' lives is the Playschool expansion, so that there'll actually be almost full-time childcare available on Cortes for the first time ever. The third one is basically an intergenerational helping hands, um, project being put forward by the Family Support Services of the CCHA (Cortes Community Health Association).” “This was our first time participating in one of these community foundations of Canada Federal Government projects. We have already made our recommendations. The recommendations have been accepted, and these different organizations are just now getting their announcements that they're accepted. They will sign a contract with the Community Foundations of Canada and the gender equity pilot program, and then their money is not released until 2023.”

The DWO goes out to affirm an advocate and care for our transgender friends

Stress is a part of every parenting/family journey.  This parenting stress can be compounding when a child is deaf/hard of hearing.  Join me in a conversation with Dr. Ivette Cejas, licensed psychologist, Associate Professor at the University of Miami Ear Institute, and Director of Family Support Services at the University of Miami Children's Hearing Program. Dr. Cejas is a well-known researcher in the area of pediatric hearing loss. She specializes in psychoeducational evaluations for deaf or hard of hearing children, as well as mental health therapy for this population. She is on the Board of Directors at AG Bell and is a member of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance.  In this podcast, Dr. Cejas shares the top stressors parents are faced with, a tool to help measure parenting stress specific to cochlear implants, and ways to support self-efficacy.  She also discusses the importance of including professionals such as psychologists and social workers to support the whole child.   To listen to or access transcripts of this episode:   www.3cdigitalmedianetwork.com/empowear-audiology-podcast To connect with Dr. Cejas   icejas@med.miami.edu https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivette-cejas-566783118 https://www.instagram.com/childrenshearingprogram/  

A conversation with Jim Womack, Executive Director of Family Support Services. A native of southeast Colorado, Jim arrived in the Panhandle for college, and has since served this area in a variety of different roles from the criminal justice system to the nonprofit world. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Womack shares about leading Family Support Services through a fire that destroyed its headquarters in 2020—all while navigating his own cancer diagnosis and treatment during the pandemic. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative, La-Z-Boy Furniture and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical.

About Today's GuestMichael Genovese is the chief medical officer of Acadia Healthcare, the largest stand-alone provider of behavioral healthcare in the United States. Acadia operates a network of 238 behavioral health facilities in 40 States and Puerto Rico. Dr. Genovese is serves on the CMO Corporate Council of the Joint Commission and is Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, a member of the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry and the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Genovese co-founded the multidisciplinary medical practice Long Island Mind and Body in New York while practicing as an attending physician at NYU/Winthrop University Hospital. He was a fellow at the NYU/North Shore University Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program, and he completed his residency training at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.Before beginning his medical studies, Dr. Genovese earned a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He is a member of the New York Bar and the American Bar Association and is an advocate for attorneys and first responders seeking treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders.Links Mentioned In This EpisodeAcadia Healthcare Military & Family Support ServicesPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThe PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Substance Use Disorder in Military and Veteran Populations. Dr. Genovese has a background in treating substance use disorders and the topic was discussed on this week's show. This course is one that is specifically for healthcare providers in helping them understand how substance use disorders can be identified and addressed. You can find a link to the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Substance-Use-Disorder-in-Military-and-Veteran-Populations This Episode Sponsored By:This episode is sponsored by PsychArmor, the premier education and learning ecosystem specializing in military culture content. PsychArmor offers an online e-learning laboratory with custom training options for organizations.Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

This week, we continue our mental health focus by talking with Family Support Services', Jim Womack.  Jim talks about how FSS is meeting the heightened demands for mental health services since the start of the covid 19 pandemic.  He shares how FSS began using telehealth services to meet the needs in the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle.     To learn more about FSS: CLICK HERE or call 806.342.2500 

We all agree (and letters and comments confirm) - the family feels lost. Doesn't know what to do, where to turn, to get help with:Finding options and servicesSorting through themPlace to vent and share/run through ideasOur guest today provides that kind of help, and she is here today to share some tips with us. Guest, Bonnie Lane, (from Chicago area) For more than two decades, Bonnie has worked privately with families dealing with mental health issues. She has counseled individuals and families as  they successfully navigate the maze of care and resources available for young and older adults.  Helping families in times of crisis is her mission and her passion.  - The mission? - SUPPORT.  Bonnie will support you on your road to acceptance of the new normal. Why does the family feel so stuck and unsupported? (and need services like yours)?Do you have a personal story that led you to do this work?What are the top areas of need? (legal? social services - benefits etc? emotional help for family?)What are the top tips you can share with our listeners to get the information, ideas, and support they need?Re your services:How much does it cost?Are you aware of other companies like yours in your  area or other areas?  Does any insurance cover your services and if so do you  take MA? What you do sounds important and needed, but is it only available for those with financial resources? Links:https://thefamilysupportservices.com/Here's the YouTube link for the CATCH presentation. CATCH L and L - Creating a Game PlanWant us to cover a topic? comment to share?Facebook page @Schizophrenia3Moms@SZ3MomsTrenches -  twitterRandye Kaye -Broadcaster, Actress, Voice Talent, Speaker, and Author (“Ben Behind his Voices”, “Happier Made Simple”)Miriam Feldman – Artist, Mom, Author “He Came in With It”Mindy Greiling – member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for twenty years. Activist, Legislator, Author (“Fix What You Can“)  

Leaders Vladimir Sainte, Clinical Director of Counseling and Family Support Services at The Children's Place, and Andy Campbell, Principal at Summit Ridge Academy, have surprising insights to share in this discussion that explores the power and effectiveness of leading collaboratively, caring for people before tasks, coaching for compassion versus compliance, communicating the why, seeing challenging individuals as kind teachers, and taking time to celebrate along the way.

It's 100 days since Family Support Services took over child and foster services in Pinellas and Pasco counties. We speak with CEO Jenn Petion on how things are going, and how they're doing with hiring and other issues.

A year ago, our guest on today's show, Jordan Hager, reached out to Michelle with a story you won't want to miss. Her email was titled: “My wedding story when all vendors cancelled.” She shares once-in-a-lifetime experience which begins on the day Texas, experienced the worst ice storm the state had ever seen. Jordan's story is one of hope and a powerful reminder to those of you planning a wedding that yes, you will experience stress and drama during the process of getting married, but keeping your focus on the end result of marrying your sweetheart is really what it's all about. Jordann Hager is 27 years young and currently lives in Colorado Springs with her husband Matt and their sheepadoodle puppy, Bodhi (bo-dee). Jordann spends her days working in Pediatrics & Family Support Services and her nights working as an associate wedding planner. Jordann is known for her love of pink and her quick wit and is often referred to as “The Actual Elle Woods”. Click HERE to become a premium subscriber and unlock all of the amazingness:       Ad-free, full length episodes      The TBWPP Wedding Planning Resource Center with  Access to 6 mini courses of The Big Wedding Planning Master Class  Wedding Planning Templates and Tools Big Takeaways In the intensity of everything changing, and needing to be adjusted last minute, Jordann was able to stay optimistic, and work with her people to create a magical wedding day. Having a wedding planner was ultimately the only way her wedding was able to still happen. Amanda, her planner, put out fires, found last minute substitutes, and never stopped working. Jordann's biggest advice for staying sane on the big day is marry your best friend. The goal of the day is to get married, and in the end, if that happens that it was a successful day. Choose a wedding planner that you would want around you if everything went wrong. Links We Referenced instagram.com/jordann.hager instagram.com/dovetail_jordann dovetailweddings.com instagram.com/dovetailweddings instagram.com/makeupbymaddz_ saloneforte-hair.com themansionatcolovista.com instagram.com/themansionatcolovista austinstuartphotography.com instagram.com/austinstuartphoto kalocatering.com instagram.com/kalocatering hellotara.com instagram.com/taralyonsphotography Get In Touch:  The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is… Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez  Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics  On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention! Easy to get in touch with. Email us at hello@thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A year ago, our guest on today's show, Jordan Hager, reached out to Michelle with a story you won't want to miss. Her email was titled: “My wedding story when all vendors cancelled.” She shares once-in-a-lifetime experience which begins on the day Texas, experienced the worst ice storm the state had ever seen. Jordan's story is one of hope and a powerful reminder to those of you planning a wedding that yes, you will experience stress and drama during the process of getting married, but keeping your focus on the end result of marrying your sweetheart is really what it's all about. Jordann Hager is 27 years young and currently lives in Colorado Springs with her husband Matt and their sheepadoodle puppy, Bodhi (bo-dee). Jordann spends her days working in Pediatrics & Family Support Services and her nights working as an associate wedding planner. Jordann is known for her love of pink and her quick wit and is often referred to as “The Actual Elle Woods”. Big Takeaways * In the intensity of everything changing, and needing to be adjusted last minute, Jordann was able to stay optimistic, and work with her people to create a magical wedding day. * Having a wedding planner was ultimately the only way her wedding was able to still happen. Amanda, her planner, put out fires, found last minute substitutes, and never stopped working. * Jordann's biggest advice for staying sane on the big day is marry your best friend. The goal of the day is to get married, and in the end, if that happens that it was a successful day. * Choose a wedding planner that you would want around you if everything went wrong. Links We Referenced instagram.com/jordann.hager (https://instagram.com/jordann.hager) instagram.com/dovetail_jordann (https://www.instagram.com/dovetail_jordann/) dovetailweddings.com (https://dovetailweddings.com) instagram.com/dovetailweddings (https://www.instagram.com/dovetailweddings/) instagram.com/makeupbymaddz_ (https://www.instagram.com/makeupbymaddz_/) saloneforte-hair.com (http://salonforte-hair.com) themansionatcolovista.com (https://www.themansionatcolovista.com) instagram.com/themansionatcolovista (https://www.instagram.com/themansionatcolovista/) austinstuartphotography.com (https://www.austinstuartphotography.com) instagram.com/austinstuartphoto (https://www.instagram.com/austinstuartphoto/) kalocatering.com (https://kalocatering.com) instagram.com/kalocatering (https://www.instagram.com/kalocatering/) hellotara.com (https://hellotara.com) instagram.com/taralyonsphotography (https://www.instagram.com/taralyonsphotography/) Quotes _“I see her name's Amanda, she's like, ‘So we have a little problem...' ‘Oh no.' She's like, ‘So...' and she opens the door and everything is completely white. I can see ice everywhere of this parking lot of the little cottages we're staying at on site.” - Jordann “When people say, ‘I don't know what wedding planners do,' I'm like, ‘Okay, have a seat, I'm going to tell you this is what happened and it was beautiful.'” - Jordann “The big advice I tell people is marry your best friend.” - Jordann_ Plan your wedding using The Big Wedding Planning Master Class (https://www.thebigweddingplanningmasterclass.com/). A self-paced digital course created with love for you by Christy & Michelle. The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is... * Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez. * Edited by Veronica Gruba. * Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics (https://www.mophonics.com/). * On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention! * Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook. * Easy to get in touch with. Email us at thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode * On Patreon. Become a member (https://www.patreon.com/thebigweddingplanningpodcast) and with as little as $5 per month, you get bonus episodes, special newsletters and Zoom Cocktail Hours with Michelle!

Join Kristin and her guest, Jennifer Beagle, in a two part series, as they discuss her powerful story of being rescued by Jesus from a life of abuse, addiction, trauma, homelessness, and trapped in sex trafficking. Her story and passion for Jesus will inspire, encourage, and minister to you. Jennifer shares with us how Jesus saved and transformed her and is now using her mightily for the Kingdom of God. Part 2 of our two part series.   About Our Guest: Jennifer Beagle is originally from Gainesville, FL and now lives in Kentucky. She travels and shares her story of God's perfect plan, unfailing love, and redemption. Jennifer has been the founder of three non-profit organizations and has mentored hundreds of men and women out of destructive lifestyles. She was the founder of the House of Hope for women in Gainesville, FL, a 14 bed residential facility. Jennifer is currently the Director of Family Support Services at Safe Passage, an organization for trafficked and sexually exploited teen boys and girls.   She is the founder and CEO of Her Hope Kentucky, a residential home for young adults coming out of sex trafficking, drug addiction, and aging out of foster care. For years, she has worked closely with local law enforcement, FBI, courts, and CPS to promote healing and freedom for survivors of sex trafficking, drug addiction, and traumatic backgrounds. Jennifer has aired on Florida's Joy FM Radio multiple times, appeared on the Christian Television Network and in the nationally acclaimed magazine “The Pentecostal Evangel” as well as “Victorious Living Magazine.” Having once been on North Central Florida's most wanted list with a reward for her capture, she now has been in Gainesville's “Home Magazine,” voted number 7 of “Gainesville's Top 25 Most Interesting People” and nominated for the “Gainesville Spirit Award.” Jennifer has also won the prestigious and highest National FBI Award in 2017 “FBI's Director's Community Leadership Award” which is an award given by Washington DC's FBI director, Chris Raye. Most recently, Jennifer's story of being trafficked herself was featured on CBN's The 700 Club.   Jennifer has one biological son and two adopted children from the Florida foster-care system. She also has four grandchildren, which are her life. Jennifer uses her voice of “NEVER GIVE UP” to encourage others that they too can press through the hard circumstances of life and become someone great! Jennifer has traveled all around the world telling her story of redemption!”   Website: www.HerHopeKentucky.org

Join Kristin and her guest, Jennifer Beagle, in a two part series, as they discuss her powerful story of being rescued by Jesus from a life of abuse, addiction, trauma, homelessness, and trapped in sex trafficking. Her story and passion for Jesus will inspire, encourage, and minister to you. Jennifer shares with us how Jesus saved and transformed her and is now using her mightily for the Kingdom of God. Part 1 of our two part series.   About Our Guest: Jennifer Beagle is originally from Gainesville, FL and now lives in Kentucky. She travels and shares her story of God's perfect plan, unfailing love, and redemption. Jennifer has been the founder of three non-profit organizations and has mentored hundreds of men and women out of destructive lifestyles. She was the founder of the House of Hope for women in Gainesville, FL, a 14 bed residential facility. Jennifer is currently the Director of Family Support Services at Safe Passage, an organization for trafficked and sexually exploited teen boys and girls.   She is the founder and CEO of Her Hope Kentucky, a residential home for young adults coming out of sex trafficking, drug addiction, and aging out of foster care. For years, she has worked closely with local law enforcement, FBI, courts, and CPS to promote healing and freedom for survivors of sex trafficking, drug addiction, and traumatic backgrounds. Jennifer has aired on Florida's Joy FM Radio multiple times, appeared on the Christian Television Network and in the nationally acclaimed magazine “The Pentecostal Evangel” as well as “Victorious Living Magazine.” Having once been on North Central Florida's most wanted list with a reward for her capture, she now has been in Gainesville's “Home Magazine,” voted number 7 of “Gainesville's Top 25 Most Interesting People” and nominated for the “Gainesville Spirit Award.” Jennifer has also won the prestigious and highest National FBI Award in 2017 “FBI's Director's Community Leadership Award” which is an award given by Washington DC's FBI director, Chris Raye. Most recently, Jennifer's story of being trafficked herself was featured on CBN's The 700 Club.   Jennifer has one biological son and two adopted children from the Florida foster-care system. She also has four grandchildren, which are her life. Jennifer uses her voice of “NEVER GIVE UP” to encourage others that they too can press through the hard circumstances of life and become someone great! Jennifer has traveled all around the world telling her story of redemption!””   Website: www.HerHopeKentucky.org

On this episode we have a conversation with Dr. Martha Hernández, an incredible young leader with extensive clinical and research experience working with underserved populations in schools, universities, community mental health clinics, and hospitals. As Director of the Spanish Training Track and Associate Director of Family Support Services of Ronald McDonald House, her service work includes advocacy on behalf of the children, adolescents, and couples there, as well as families residing there with a critically ill child. Her immigration work includes working with attorneys so that immigrants are not re-traumatized on their journey. Dr. Hernández is a recipient of the American Psychological Association Henry Tomes Award for the Advancement of Ethnic Minority Psychology, an award given once every 8 years to an emerging Latinx psychologist who has made many significant contributions toward the empowerment of ethnic minority individuals and communities. She talks with us about growing up in the Central Valley of California, fighting for her rights and for those around her, and how being a Latinx female, born to Mexican immigrant parents, and a farm worker with her parents, has shaped her life and leadership journey. She sheds light on the importance of creating educational opportunities where there is almost no emphasis on higher education for Latinx communities, the critical need to use our voices when so much is at stake in these times, and how finding resource in a collective can be helpful.To get more content like this and learn more about ignite and PSR go to psr.edu.

In 2021, Catholic Charities was chosen by the City of Chicago's Department of Family Support Services to be one of eight partners to start a new program called SCaN, which is designed to help youth who are most at-risk of having their lives impacted by violence. Catholic Charities was asked to coordinate the program in the Austin community, due to our success in that neighborhood with the Tolton Peace Center. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Carla Gutierrez, Department Director of Catholic Charities Youth Counseling Department, and Tashika Eubanks, SCaN Program Supervisor to discuss the positive impact SCaN is having already in Chicago.

At Cleveland Clinic, exceptional cancer care is complemented by services that address the emotional, psycho-social, and financial needs of our patients. Melanie Robbins-Ong, DO, palliative and supportive care specialist at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center joins the Cancer Advances podcast to discuss the importance of patient and family support services. Listen as Dr. Robbins-Ong describes the different types of services we offer not only for our patients but also for their families and care partners.

After a series of issues with previous contract holder Eckerd Connects, including foster children sleeping and being left overnight in offices, Family Support Services is the new lead agency for child support and services in Pinellas and Pasco counties, effective Jan. 1, 2022. We speak with FSS President and CEO Jenn Petion about how she sees her mission.

On today's episode of Healthcare Experience Matters – the official podcast of the Healthcare Experience Foundation – we are joined by Dr. Rachel Lipner and Meredith Jones for a discussion about the many ways we can support each other in these stressful times. Dr. Lipner serves as Medical Director of Inpatient Medicine with Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh, NC. She is a hospice and palliative medicine physician. Meredith Jones is the Director of Family Support Services with Transitions LifeCare. Both guests bring a unique perspective while discussing the different ways they have supported their colleagues and themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Lipner and Meredith have unique insight into what it is like working in an environment that provides comfort and care to patients in their final stages of life. They discuss the different ways the pandemic has challenged this important work. You can learn more on our website: https://healthcareexperience.org/transitions 

Robert Kanter, International Recovery Advocate and Legislative Activist, is hopeful over the recent groundbreaking 26 billion dollar settlement reached by 3 of the largest opioid drug distributors in America and manufacturer Johnson and Johnson. Most of the money will go toward addiction treatment in communities hardest hit by the opioid epidemic. He is honest and authentic as he recounts his own personal recovery from substances and that of his daughter's, who recently celebrated 3 years of recovery from opioids. Mr. Kanter describes the desperation he felt as the parent of a child with Opioid Use Disorder and how her struggles became the genesis of his advocacy work. He talks about learning how to connect with her in a loving way , using a de-stigmatized approach based on harm reduction, which ultimately led to her entering treatment. He speaks to parents of children suffering from Opioid Use Disorder, advising them to do research in order to arm themselves with tools and information. He offers 3 websites that can help families navigate treatment services and build a community of support. By learning how to navigate the system, parents can access available life-saving resources and tools. Mr. Kanter describes the Family Support Services for Addiction Act of 2021, legislation that he helped establish. He comments on his latest article in Psychology Today, Commitment Yields Success in 12-Step Programs, which explains what someone needs to do to fully recover from Substance Use Disorder. He offers advice to people struggling with Opioid Use Disorder and their families. Robert Kanter is deeply passionate and personal as he offers help, hope and inspiration for people affected by the opioid epidemic.

What Makes Beacon Estate Services a Good Neighbor...Beacon Estate Services is here to help family members manage a loved one's Estate due to a loss of life, downsizing or transition to an assisted living facility. Our mission is to be the ‘One Call” solution to protect, prepare and list a loved one's home. We offer Home Watch, Home Sales Prep and Real Estate Services. We provide content management and disposal as we know this can be completely overwhelming to out-of-town relatives. While our primary focus is on a loved one's residence, we understand that there are many other services necessary to manage an estate so we provide a network of Referral Services: Packing and Moving, Estate Sales, Legal Services, Financial Services and Family Support Services. We have 25 years experience in the Construction industry (fully licensed and insured) and are a licensed Real Estate agent. We are family owned and operated and know first-hand how overwhelming managing a loved one's property can be. Family can relax knowing they are in the hands of caring professionals. Let our family help yours.To learn more about Beacon Estate Services, go to: www.BeaconSWF.comBeacon Estate Services239.919.6712Support the show (https://goodneighborpodcast.com)

Jill's House is a Christian non-profit respite care center that loves and serves families raising children with intellectual disabilities. It’s also a great place to work! Dana Hecht, VP of Compliance and Family Support Services, joined us to share the stories of Jill’s House and the families they love.Dana is a lawyer by trade. She took a few years off the career path to focus on maintaining some sense of serenity in a house with 4 children, until she landed at Jill's House where she’s been able to combine her legal training with her passion for ministry. In her dual role, she monitors the organizational compliance with a fairly complex system of regulatory oversight; she also spearheads the evangelical outreach to the families. The team at Jill’s House works to accomplish this outreach through intentional community building wherein every family feels seen and known. She’s passionate about the work they do and blessed to have witnessed first-hand the transforming blessing of respite for the families they serve.

Tripp is a retired United States Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel.  He retired after 25 years of military service with multiple command and combat tours.  For his second career Tripp chose community service. He co-founded the Lowcountry Autism Foundation, Inc. then added Director of Family Support Services, Children's Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, and finally became the Director of the Autism Center, Navicent Health, Medical Center of Central Georgia, Macon, GA. A highlight of his community service experience occurred in 1995, when Tripp received the "Jefferson Award" from the American Institute for Public Service, at the United States Supreme Court.   His military-community team's work supported low income, minority citizens with intellectual disabilities. Tripp earned his BA in Psychology from Eastern Washington University and MS in Logistics Management from Florida Tech.  North GA Autism Foundation (NGAF), Inc. was originally formed to help fill the significant gaps in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) services in our local area (Fannin, Gilmer, Union Counties) and across North Georgia, Polk County, TN and Cherokee County, NC.  Early detection and intense intervention can dramatically change the life of a child with ASD.  It quickly became obvious that life span support services were also lacking.  NGAF expanded its mission to support individuals with disabilities from birth through life. https://www.ngafinc.org/about  

In this episode Aidan, Ben, Caleb & Kevin discuss everything about role models. Who inspires us, who our role models are, the effects that negative role models may have and the role that family members and friends play in our lives.Relevant resources to these subjects can be found below.Students Against Depression - The Students Against Depression website has lots of information about tackling depression and low mood, including self -help resources and workbooks for students to work through to start taking steps towards tackling low mood.HOPELine UK-phone 0800 068 41 41: confidential service specifically for young people (under 35). They can offer crisis support for someone who is experiencing thoughts or feelings of suicide, as well as providing information and advice for those concerned about someone else.Addiction & Dependency Resources can be found on the Mind website.Family Support Services for those with family struggling with alcohol dependency can be found on the Alcohol Change UK website.You can find other episodes of Changing MENtality here.You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter here.Further resources can be found below.Student Space - Online, one-stop shop' for students in England and Wales who want to find help for their mental health or well-being.Student Minds website - Information about different support services available, including how to find them and what to expect when using them for the first time.Your GP Service - can refer to specialist support and services.University Student Support Services e.g. counseling, mental health advisers, student advice centre, students' union.Samaritans - phone 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org Papyrus: email pat@papyrus.uk.orgNHS 111-Non-emergency line run by the NHS.999-for an emergency situation.

On this episode of Harford County Living with Rich Bennett, coming to you from the Freedom Federal Credit Union studios, Rich speaks with Shawn Kros of The Arc Northern Chesapeake RegionThe Arc NCR currently offers the following services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Harford and Cecil Counties: Supported Employment Services to adults; Family Support Services to individuals and their families; Services for Transitioning Youth; Treatment Foster Care Services; Community Living and Individual Support Services to adults; Community Partners day program for adultsSponsored by The Fading Theory Barber ShopIf you have an idea or something or someone you would like to see on the podcast, let us know by sending an email to podcast@harfordcountyliving.com.Leave a review as well so we can determine what guests to get on and what subjects to discuss. Just go to https://lovethepodcast.com/harcolivingListen to the podcast here or on the following platforms:Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusiciHeartRADIOTuneIn RadioStitcherPandoraPodchaserPodcast AddictDeezerListen NotesPodcast IndexPlease follow our Facebook Pages at Harford County Living with Rich Bennett and Harford County LivingRecorded through SquadCast and hosted on BuzzsproutBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HarCoLiving)

In this episode, Caleb is joined by Josh Hartley to talk about his experiences with depression at college and university. They also discussed Josh's new book, The Boy Between: A Mother and Son's Journey From a World Gone Grey, which he co-authored with his mother and best-selling author, Amanda Prowse.Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide, depression & alcoholism.Relevant resources to these subjects can be found below.Students Against Depression - The Students Against Depression website has lots of information about tackling depression and low mood, including self -help resources and workbooks for students to work through to start taking steps towards tackling low mood.HOPELine UK-phone 0800 068 41 41: confidential service specifically for young people (under 35). They can offer crisis support for someone who is experiencing thoughts or feelings of suicide, as well as providing information and advice for those concerned about someone else.Addiction & Dependency Resources can be found on the Mind website.Family Support Services for those with family struggling with alcohol dependency can be found on the Alcohol Change UK website.You can find other episodes of Changing MENtality here.You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter here.Further resources can be found below.Student Space - Online, one-stop shop' for students in England and Wales who want to find help for their mental health or well-being.Student Minds website - Information about different support services available, including how to find them and what to expect when using them for the first time.Your GP Service - can refer to specialist support and services.University Student Support Services e.g. counseling, mental health advisers, student advice centre, students' union.Samaritans - phone 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org Papyrus: email pat@papyrus.uk.orgNHS 111-Non-emergency line run by the NHS.999-for an emergency situation.A Boy Between: A Mother and Son's Journey From a World Gone Grey is available as a paperback, audiobook and on Kindle. The book can be found here. 

For our 19th podcast, we were delighted to speak with Bonnie Lane, M.S., of Family Support Services. We discuss the vast range of mental health services she provides for families from finding a residential setting for a loved one, helping with accommodations for college students and so much more. Bonnie really truly just wants to help.

In 2017, nearly 50,000 people in the U.S. died from opioid overdoses. There were 5,456 drug-related overdose deaths in Pennsylvania alone — twice the national average. Last month, Republican Congressman Dan Meuser of Luzerne County proposed the Family Support Services for Addiction Act (FSSAA) that would create a $25 million grant program to aid local … Continue reading "Helping families struggling with substance use disorder"

The Shamrock Community Center caught fire this morning, the Amarillo City Council met yesterday, Family Support Services' Mardi Gras party is this weekend, and more with today's ICYMI Eagle News Update.

Cal Farley's Boys Ranch helping out Family Support Services with a temporary office space, a number of community events coming up, your Hunter & Kalinke traffic update, and more with today's ICYMI Eagle News Update.

Crews responded to a fire at the Little Armadillo Apartments this morning on Bell Street, the Amarillo ISD helping Family Support Services, and the sports world mourning the loss of Kobe Bryant. That and more with today's ICYMI Eagle News Update.

Lisa Simpson with Family Support Services joins us this morning! Learn how you can donate to the FSS Fire Relief Fund. And learn about the Mardi Gras Party February 15th.

Several funds have been set up to help Family Support Services after Sunday's fire, the Amarillo City Council met yesterday, the Better Business Bureau warns us of a returning scam, and more with today's ICYMI Eagle News Update.

Today's guest is Phyllis Fisher, who is an Organic Horticulturist, Designer, and Educator. Her and her husband have Fisher Landscape Design & Consultation creativelandscapeservices.com, specializing in Creative Landscape Services for over 30 years! They offer a premier horticultural and landscape and planning experience with full customer satisfaction, using authentic green methods that work for you and the environment. Experience the best in creative landscape services with expert horticultural guidance, ideas, and assistance for all your landscape needs. Phyllis also has A Woman's Way Childbirth and Family Support Services awomanswayfl.com, which is committed to strengthening and supporting a natural and healthy conception, pregnancy, labor, and birthing experience, while celebrating a woman and her baby's positive, healthy, and joyful well-being, assisting you carefully through the birth process with knowledge and understanding of the valuable connection between mind, body, and spirit.

Family Support Services trying to move ahead with is mission of helping others after Sunday's fire, the Amarillo City Council and Amarillo ISD School Board set to meet today, and you still have time to register to vote in the upcoming March Primary. That and more with today's ICYMI Eagle News Update.

The Amarillo Fire Department called out to a fire at Family Support Services in downtown Amarillo yesterday morning, Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and it will be Chiefs and 49ers in this year's Super Bowl. That and more with today's ICYMI Eagle News Update.

Hillary Smiley is a child welfare professional who serves children and families in Monroe County,TN. In this podcast, Ms. Smiley discusses her experiences in the new Family Support Services (FSS) model that is piloting in her region. Ms. Smiley has worked for the agency since 2014, has professional experience in the Foster Care program and has some great feedback to share.

FSS October FeSSt is happening this Saturday, From 11AM-5PM at Starlight Ranch. Find out All About it Here.

In this episode with Amy Hord, Director of Behavior Health at Family Support Services, talks with me about Emotional health and well-being. We go through the ins and outs of emotional development, regulation, and how to teach yourself new ways to manage your emotions. 

A conversation with Ashley Jourdan, who provides human trafficking prevention and outreach for Family Support Services. Ashley grew up in an itinerant family—spending her first 15 years on the road—and describes Amarillo as the only "home" she's ever had. She and host Jason Boyett discuss her unique upbringing, what human trafficking looks like in the Texas Panhandle, and why it's so vital that she's discovered a powerful, loving community here. This episode is sponsored by the Mani-Camper and Jimmy John's.

Mary talks at length with Susan about 10 strategies for dealing with behavior challenges, including the dreaded “drop and flop”.Down Syndrome Resource Foundation https://www.dsrf.org/10 Positive Behavior Support Strategies1) Down syndrome-specific setting event strategies.2) Environment-specific setting event strategies.3) Effective requests.4) Offering choices.5) Visual supports for behavioural expectations and predictability.6) Incorporating preferences.7) Safety signals.8) Functional communication training.9) Positive reinforcement of desired behaviour via praise and other rewards.10) Actively ignore and positively redirect minor problem behaviour - Stone Face.Here is the article Susan talked about:Patel, L., Wolter-Warmerdam, K., Leifer, N., & Hickey, F. (2018). Behavioral characteristics of individuals with Down syndrome. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 11(3), 221-246.Google scholar link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19315864.2018.1481473

But what if we could enhance the quality of our life today by confronting our own mortality and shifting the way we think about death? Death or dying may feel dark and strikes up a mix of emotions for many of us.  There’s the fear of it happening; the anxiety of the unknown; and sadness for those that we’ve lost.  After my conversation with today’s guest Mary Jones, I’ve been thinking a lot more about how I think about death and how I want to leave the world. This process has helped me reflect on my own values and identify the things that are really, truly important to me.   Mary Kelly Jones is the Director of Family Support Services for Hospice & Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley in Potsdam New York. With over 25 years’ experience at Hospice, Mary manages Hospice Chaplains, Social Workers, Volunteer Manager and Bereavement Staff. Mary is passionate about educating Hospice staff and the St. Lawrence County community in all matters related to end of life.    She has written over 30 grief publications for hospice families and community. She has served as a member of the Professional Education Committee for the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization.   In addition to her role at Hospice, Mary is an adjunct instructor at SUNY Potsdam in the Public Health and Human Performance department. Mary has taught Death & Dying, both fall and spring semesters, for the last twelve years. Mary also serves as the chair of the St. Lawrence County Suicide Awareness Coalition and currently chairs the St. Lawrence County Community Service Board. Mary and I talk about:  How you fundamentally shift as a person being in the room when someone is near the end of life. How changing the way we think about death can help us heal and die well.  How Hospice as opposed to the traditional medical system focuses on the quality of life instead of trying to lengthen their life as patients near the end. That death is inevitable so instead of trying to stop death we can focus on enhancing our lives.  Why there’s no right way to grieve except to make sure that you do.  How a death and dying course taught a group of college kids what it means to live.  Four simple phrases—“Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” “Thank you,” and “I love you”—carry enormous power to mend and nurture our relationships and inner lives.  And how our legacies and the legacies of the ones we love will always be carried on. 

Amarillo Police responded to an early morning accident yesterday where a truck crashed into a home, the Open Spaces blog will give Amarillo citizens a new way to communicate with city government, Family Support Services looking or volunteers, and more with today's ICYMI Eagle News Update.

Hosts Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore speak with Debra Borzellino, Director of Family Support Services for The Connection. May is Foster Care Awareness Month and this is a subject near and dear to our hearts! Deb, a therapist and also an expert on foster care explains how thousands of children in Connecticut are in need of foster parents and tells us how The Connection can help make it happen! Fostering children is a beautiful thing, both for the kids and the parents. If you've ever thought of becoming a foster parent or would just like more information then you don't want to miss this show! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On October 24thand 25th, OCFA hosted a Behavioral Health Conference titled “Past, Present, and Future.” Six presentations were given at the conference and are being presented in podcast-form here.This is the second podcast in our six-part series and features two FDNY retirees: Battalion Chief Joe Krebbs and Firefighter Frank Ungaro. They were the founders of the Peer and Family Support Services for the FDNY just days after the 9/11 tragedy. To watch the presentations of all the speakers from this conference, please click on the links below:Kimberly Lightly – Prineville Hotshotsvimeo.com/297414707Joe Krebbs and Frank Ungaro – FDNYvimeo.com/297410503Mike Moser, Coral Springs Fire Rescue Division Chiefhttps://vimeo.com/297409780Chris Bator – Coral Springs Floridavimeo.com/297409992Marie Guma-Jelinek – Florida Firefighter Safety & Health Collaborativevimeo.com/297410390Jonathan Wilby – OCFA Risk ManagerDevin Chase – OCFA ChaplainShonna Hill – The Counseling Team Internationalvimeo.com/297414892For content suggestions, please contact Multimedia Supervisor Kevin Hansen at kevinhansen@ocfa.org

Megan Severn serves as the Development Director at The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services. She joined The ARK team in 2015 and is responsible for managing the marketing, two signature events for the The ARK (Dancing with The ARK Stars and Race for The ARK), donor stewardship and cultivation. Born and raised in Malvern, Ohio, Megan moved to the Charleston area in 2010. In 2014, she graduated from The College of Charleston earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. In her spare time, Megan enjoys reading and going to the beach with her husband and 2 dogs. Megan graduated from the Leadership Dorchester Class of 2017 & is a proud board member of the Summerville Chamber of Commerce. this episode is sponsored by www.LiveOakRealEstate.net

Ann Baldwin and Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore talk with Debra Borzellino, the Director of Family Support Services at the Connection. Debra explains the need for foster families in Connecticut, as there is anywhere from 100 to 150 foster children waiting to be placed at any given time. They also ask their listeners to please consider becoming a foster parent and the great rewards that come with it.

There's more to cancer treatment than just surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. There's services to help the healing and mental exhaustion that comes with actual course of treatment. Donna Murphy, LMSW, director of the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center's Patient and Family Support Services, talks about the importance of these psychosocial services for patients, their families and caregivers. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Host Dawn Davenport, Executive Director of Creating a Family, the national infertility & adoption education and support nonprofit, interviews Rhonda Jarema, Director of Family Support Services for Nightlight Christian Adoptions; snd Kelly Raudenbush, an attachment therapist at the Attachment and Bonding Center of PA and co-founder of The Sparrow Fund. Creating a Family has many free resources related to this topic on our website at www.CreatingaFamily.org. Please leave us a review on iTunes. Thanks. Click to Tweet: http://ctt.ec/bbsB7 Facebook Share: https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A//creatingafamily.org/adoption-category/child-hosting-programs-need-know/ Show Highlights: https://creatingafamily.org/adoption-category/child-hosting-programs-need-know/ Support the show (https://creatingafamily.org/donation/)

Children Home + Aid Family Support Services Director Mendy Smith speaks with WJBC.

Tonight's special guest is Kristina Brown from Independence, Missouri, the Family Support Services Director at Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA), where the mission is to prevent and treat all forms of child abuse by creating changes in individuals, families and society that strengthen relationships and promote healing. Kristina has always been passionate about partnering with families in the effort to promote the healthy and holistic developmental growth of children. She truly believes that parents, as well as other family members, serve as a child's most important and influential teachers. As the Director of Family Support Services, Kristina supervises the implementation of the services offered through this department. She works directly with families and incorporates her past experience and knowledge to provide support and guidance to the programs of the Family Support Services Department. She enjoys seeing children and parents in their home environments, and believes that providing in-home support and education helps to strengthen the family unit.  Kristina held the position of Family Support Case Manager here at CAPA before becoming the Director of Family Support Services. Prior to coming to CAPA in August of 2011, Kristina spent several years working as an instructor at the Berkley Child and Family Development Center, teaching within the field of Early Childhood Education. 

Family Program Position providing support and outreach for Alaska Air National Guard Gretchen Nealy Haney Gretchen moved to Anchorage, Alaska in 2000, shortly after she began her career working in the support services. Gretchen volunteered her time with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) which led to a full time career with the ADA. Years later Gretchen was asked to manage the Family Program Position providing support and outreach for Alaska Air National Guard and continued working in the Military Member and Family Support Services for over 8 years at the Headquarters Level. Gretchen brought change and created a working relationship between the military services and the community allowing a partnership and transition for military and family members. She has also assisted in the creation of Memorandum of Understandings, policy letters and guidance and excelled in unit and leadership training for the air and army guard locally and nationally, in addition to providing services to the Air/Army/Marine and Navy Reserve. Gretchen's community outreach created recognition of issues surrounding victims of sexual assault and the National Guard. As the Program Manager for the Transition Assistance for the military, Gretchen helped in providing a link and resources for the Alaska Brain Injury Network from 2007-2008.

  How are mental health issues and physical disabilities or diseases in prospective adoption parents treated by adoption agencies, adoption lawyers, expectant parents, and foreign countries? Can you adopt if you are on anti-depressants? Can you adopt if you have a history of past addictions? In a wheelchair? Our guests are Ann Wrixon, Executive Director of Independent Adoption Center;  Rhonda Jarema , advocate and educator. She has been the Director of Family Support Services at Nightlight Christian Adoptions since 1998. Rhonda Jarema has worked as a social worker and advocate in the fields of international adoption and mental health for over 30 years and she's an adoptive mom. Jaclyn Smith, Program Coordinator at Children’s Connections, Inc., a domestic adoption agency. And Rebecca Hackworth, Director of Social Services, Dillon International, Inc. with over 30 years experience in international adoption.  Blog summary of the show and highlights can be found here:  Blog summary of the show  Highlights   More Creating a Family resources on adoption guidelines and process can be found here.Support the show (https://creatingafamily.org/donation/)